UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for action to ensure accountability for "heinous" attacks in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Wednesday that left a Rwandan peacekeeper dead and another one wounded.

The UN chief strongly condemned the coordinated assaults near capital Bangui, which were carried out by unidentified armed combatants.

The UN mission in the country, MINUSCA, reported that some armed elements were killed, while others were arrested, and weapons were seized.

"The secretary-general recalls that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime," his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

"The UN chief has called on the authorities to take all the necessary measures to ensure accountability for these heinous attacks," he said.

Guterres also expressed concern over continued destabilization efforts by armed groups in the CAR.

He called on all parties to stop violence and engage in meaningful dialogue, and underlined the UN's commitment to ongoing peace efforts.

Violence has flared in parts of the CAR surrounding presidential and legislative elections held in late December, forcing thousands to flee their homes or to neighboring countries.

Wednesday's attacks occurred on the outskirts of the capital and targeted two army brigades, according to media reports.

The situation has been tense in the landlocked Central African country after the Constitutional Council rejected former President Francois Bozize's candidacy in the elections on Dec. 27, 2020. Enditem

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